The Man Who Wouldn’t Quit
WBF Hall of Fame Inductee - Sunny Raitava
If you head down to Derricks Boxing Gym almost any afternoon of the week, you will find an extensive range of activities on offer, catering to young people of all ages from all walks of life. On most of those days, you are also likely to find some of the potential boxers hard at work, a group of young men and women and their volunteer coaches that are doing much more than just learning their way around a ring.
It is in this environment that the coaches and boxers involved put considerable time and effort into running the group, sharing their boxing expertise as well as a few life lessons along the way. If come here for training, everyone in the room is equal, no matter where they are from….“Everything else, all the other stuff going on in their lives, gets left at the door.”
The Mount Isa Gym, has not only cemented strong friendships between the boys and girls and improved confidence, but has also encouraged members to be positive role models within the community and inspire other youth. This is home to Sunny Raitava.
Born in Lau, Fiji…Australian Nationality WBF World Heavyweight Age Champion Sunny Raitava has been inducted into the WBF HALL OF FAME…being only the second recipient of this prestigious honour.
13 YEARS, SUNNY SURVIVED FROM A MOUNT ISA UNDERGROUND ACCIDENT, WHERE A ONE TONNE ROCK FELL ON HIM. HE SUFFERED A BROKEN NECK AND SEVERELY INJURED LEG, hence, The Man who wouldn’t quit…!!!
The ever-humble Sunny is honoured to receive his WBF Hall of Fame recognition –
“I came from selling juice at the market in Suva and being a ‘billi-barra’ (wheelbarrow boy), boxing brought me here to Australia, now I have a lovely family and two beautiful daughters and that will always be my inspiration”. “Also, don’t forget my wife, she always cooks me good vegetarian food”, said Sunny.
When asked if he had any words of encouragement or advise for other boxers, he replied “I am a proud Dad to Lofia and Maleya and they are my inspiration. I don’t drink or smoke and boxing is my only addiction”.
Sunny has displayed elite levels of Amateur Masters Boxing in his historic victories over many opponents including Justin Clements, and an outstanding bout against Chris Smith that saw the best of both men on display. Sunny trains out of and proudly represents Derricks Boxing Gym based in Mount Isa Queensland, Australia.
Raitava’s Head Trainer Mr. James Derrick said of the newly inducted WBF Hall of Famer –
“Sunny Raitava, is like a fine bottle of wine, he just keeps getting better with age”.
And we at the WBF cannot disagree with you on that subject Sir.
While the training is about so much more than winning, improved health companionship and sense of belonging, having a goal keeps the Master Boxer group focused……this is what Masters Boxing is all about. The WBF Masters’s philosophy is empowering the next generation of boxers.
WBF Vice President (AMD) Mr. Kim Gray is proud to induct the second boxer into the WBF Amateur Masters Division Boxing Hall of Fame –
Sunny Raitava
(Australia / FIJI)
WBF Hall of Fame
2024/2025